Train-18, the fastest train from railways, will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 29. India’s first engineless train will soon replace Shatabdi trains and will operate between Delhi and Varanasi.
Train 18, manufactured by ICF Chennai at a staggering cost of Rs 100 crore, recently became India’s fastest train by clocking speeds of over 180 kmph during trial-run on a section of the Delhi-Rajdhani route. The commuters will enjoy a realistic bullet train-like experience.
The train will possess two executive compartments which will accommodate 52 seats each and trailer coaches will have 78 seats each. The train will run from the national capital at 6 am and will arrive at Varanasi at 2 pm. As far as the return journey is concerned, the train will start at 2.30pm from Varanasi and reach the New Delhi station at 10.30pm on the same day.
A sensational development and changes are gradually creeping in as the PM Narendra Modi’s government is already on a mission to transform the entire infrastructure of the Indian Railways. The future of the Indian trains will surely look far better than before.
The manufacturer of the trains, ICF emphasised that the footstep in the coach’s doorway will slide from the outside when the train halts at a station. This interesting feature is designed to make sure that the passengers experience a safe and smooth journey.
The makers have designed the trains in such a way that commuters who suffer from some kind physical impairment would be able to travel with ease. For this, special arrangements have been made for the differently-abled inclusive of space for a wheelchair.
This is the first long-distance train without separate locomotive (engine) and was inaugurated at the ICF premises by Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani. It would engage in trials in upcoming months, according to ICF officials.
The fully air-conditioned train will reduce journey time by 15% compared to the old Shatabdi that has been running for 30 years. The senior official said adding that five more units of the train would be produced by the ICF by the end of 2019-20 production year.
(With inputs from TOI)
